The runaway slave story is informed by critical historical events that shape the first century of US history. These forces are becoming increasingly problematic for the country as a whole and will eventually burst forth as the Civil War. Some trends and events include:
the ongoing problem of territorial expansion in the face of the delicate political balance between slave- and non-slave states (the Missouri Compromise);
the underground railroad and abolitionist demands for slavery's end;
the John Brown rebellion;
"Bleeding Kansas";
the events and practices leading up to the Dred Scott decision.
Research these and other issues related to the run up to the civil war. Examine how Whitman describes the encounter with the runaway slave in Section 10.
How would you characterize Whitman's feelings about slavery and the politics surrounding it, based on this passage.
Compare and contrast these feelings with the prominent strands of public opinion at the time.
Historical Research Ideas
The runaway slave story is informed by critical historical events that shape the first century of US history. These forces are becoming increasingly problematic for the country as a whole and will eventually burst forth as the Civil War. Some trends and events include:
- the ongoing problem of territorial expansion in the face of the delicate political balance between slave- and non-slave states (the Missouri Compromise);
- the underground railroad and abolitionist demands for slavery's end;
- the John Brown rebellion;
- "Bleeding Kansas";
- the events and practices leading up to the Dred Scott decision.
Research these and other issues related to the run up to the civil war. Examine how Whitman describes the encounter with the runaway slave in Section 10.How would you characterize Whitman's feelings about slavery and the politics surrounding it, based on this passage.
Compare and contrast these feelings with the prominent strands of public opinion at the time.
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